By TJ Hunt
Director of Scouting, New Jersey

Top Performer Spotlights will be highlighted leading up to the complete Preseason All-State Showcase Top Performer List. Here is one of the Top Performers from the event: 

The Sprake File

Name: Joseph Sprake
Position: RHP/1B
Grad Year: 2018
High School: Middletown South
Travel Team: Jersey Shore Prospects

Stats
Max FB: 88
FB: 86-87
CB: 73-74
CH: 77-78
Infield Velocity: 85
Exit Velocity: 101

Scouting Report
Sprake has a physical build at 6-foot-3 200-pounds with broad shoulders. One of the top overall performers at the Preseason All-State Showcase. On the mound, Sprake showcased a fastball that got up to 88 mph and sat 86-87. Curveball had 12/6 break at 73-74 mph with fastball arm action and changeup had some arm side run at 77-78 mph for strikes. Good rhythm to his delivery, Sprake uses his lower half well by driving down the mound with his balance leg. Lands with an open foot which causes him to finish toward the first base side of the mound. High-3/4 slot, collapses into front leg on landing and finish -  indicating that he might be over-striding. Creates shoulder leverage going down the mound to help maintain velocity, good frame for a pitcher with more in the tank with some mechanical adjustments. Shows some effort in delivery, long/loose arm action. Slight recoil on finish. High riser in the 2018 class. Offensively- starts with a slight crouch and legs just wider than shoulder width apart. Hands and bat just above shoulder. As pitch comes in, he uses a toe tap and a small stride to initiate swing. Hips show some elasticity, little to no hand load. Weight is loaded on back leg prepitch. Recorded the top Exit Velocity of the event at 101 mph. Defensively- Throws topped at 85 mph across the diamond. Shows sound foot replacement on double play feeds to 2B. Flat footed in approach to ground balls, needs to continue to move feet and gain ground & momentum toward target.